[1] The LORD, the Mighty One, is God, and he has spoken; he has summoned all humanity from where the sun rises to where it sets. [2] From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance. [3] Our God approaches, and he is not silent. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around him. [4] He calls on the heavens above and earth below to witness the judgment of his people. [5] "Bring my faithful people to me- those who made a covenant with me by giving sacrifices." [6] Then let the heavens proclaim his justice, for God himself will be the judge. Interlude [7] "O my people, listen as I speak. Here are my charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God! [8] I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer. [9] But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. [10] For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. [11] I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine. [12] If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it. [13] Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats? [14] Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. [15] Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." [16] But God says to the wicked: "Why bother reciting my decrees and pretending to obey my covenant? [17] For you refuse my discipline and treat my words like trash. [18] When you see thieves, you approve of them, and you spend your time with adulterers. [19] Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue is full of lies. [20] You sit around and slander your brother- your own mother's son. [21] While you did all this, I remained silent, and you thought I didn't care. But now I will rebuke you, listing all my charges against you. [22] Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. [23] But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God."
